lover

noun

lov·​er ˈlə-vər 

1

a

: a person in love

b

lovers plural : two persons in love with each other

2

: an affectionate or benevolent friend

3

: devotee

a lover of mystery novels

a lover of nature

4

a

: paramour

Her husband found a love letter from her lover.

b

: a person with whom one has sexual relations

He was her first lover.

Synonyms of lover

• fan
• sucker
• enthusiast
• fanatic
• admirer

Examples of lover in a Sentence

His wife accused him of having a secret lover.

She left her husband and ran away with her lover.

Recent Examples on the Web

Music lovers will appreciate such quality sound. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026

Chocolate lovers faced elevated prices over the Easter period, but should hopefully see respite by Halloween, analysts forecast. —Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 6 Apr. 2026

While the storm is looming, there are new glimmers of possibility—friends can become lovers, strangers can become friends on the subway, the supermarket aisles are charged with meaning. —Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026

For those visiting the Windy City this weekend, as well as pie-lovers living locally, here's a look at some of the best places to order a slice at and limited-time deals. —Hannah Hudnall, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing lover

• lover boy
• secret lover
• true lover's knot

Rhymes for lover

• cover
• hover
• plover
• discover
• hardcover
• recover
• thereover
• uncover
• rediscover
• undercover

Kids Definition

lover

noun

lov·​er ˈləv-ər 

1

a

: a person in love

b

plural : two persons in love with each other

2

: devotee

a lover of music

3

a

: paramour

b

: a person with whom one has sexual relations

Biographical Definition

Lover

biographical name

Lov·​er ˈlə-vər 

Samuel 1797–1868 Irish novelist